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Inglis' move allows Champion's return

Greg Inglis' sublime form at fullback for South Sydney has opened the door for the return of the player whose centre position he initially took at the NRL club - Beau Champion.

On Tuesday Souths announced Champion would join the club on a two-year deal after being granted an immediate release from his Gold Coast contract.

The former representative centre was pushed out of the Rabbitohs due to salary cap pressure when Inglis joined the club prior to the 2011 season in a move from Melbourne after negotiations with Brisbane broke down.

Inglis has been a revelation at Redfern, but at fullback rather than centre after coach Michael Maguire moved him into the No.1 jersey in his first year in charge last season.

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Despite last year enjoying their best season since 1989, centre became a problem area for Maguire upon Queensland and Australian representative Inglis' shift to the back.

Maguire said Champion would add some much needed depth to the Rabbitohs' ranks.

"Beau is a very experienced NRL player ... and were very happy to be able to add a player of his ability to our squad at this stage of the pre-season," Maguire said in a statement.

"Beau's inclusion to our squad increases the challenge for spots in our first grade team, which is always good for performance and team development.

"Beau is South Sydney through-and-through and we're sure he will produce some of his best football with us over the next two seasons and beyond."

A Rabbitohs junior Champion played 70 games for the club between 2005 and 2010 before moving to Melbourne and spending last season with the Titans. He played only nine NRL games in 2012 in an injury interrupted year.

He will challenge the likes of Shaune Corrigan, Andrew Everingham, Dylan Farrell, Justin Hunt, Matt King and Chris McQueen for a spot in the centres.

Champion, 26, said he was delighted to be returning to the Rabbitohs.

"I'm over the moon at having the opportunity to return to South Sydney," he said.

"(It is) the club where my career began, the team which I supported as a kid, and the club which I've always dreamed of playing for."

A veteran of 90 NRL games, Champion represented City Origin and the Indigenous All Stars in 2010 and 2011.

Meanwhile, Champion's departure has reportedly paved the way for the Gold Coast Titans to launch a left field pitch for Penrith matchwinner Michael Jennings.

The Sydney Roosters appear to be in the box seat for the NSW star but that has not stopped the Titans contemplating offering a three to four year deal worth $600,000 a season, according to The Courier-Mail website.